DESSICANT VERSUS COMPRESSOR DEHUMIDIFIERS

When it comes to dehumidifiers, a common question from customers is whether it is best to opt for a compressor unit, or a desiccant unit. Usually, for the majority of leisure and domestic scenarios, a desiccant unit is the most sensible choice.

A desiccant unit is substantially quieter, lighter and smaller. Also, and crucially, desiccant units are far more efficient and effective at moisture extraction. A compressor dehumidifier only works well in extremely warm temperatures of over twenty-seven degrees centigrade, where the humidity is high. In comparison, even a basic desiccant unit can extract the same quantity of moisture at any temperature above one degree centigrade.

Although desiccant units might use up more power per hour compared to compressor units, but its water extraction is so effective that it can extract a lot of water from air in a comparatively short time. Thus, in reality, a desiccant unit is considerably less expensive to operate than a compressor unit.

Moreover, desiccant units use no consumables, so the desiccant material will not expire, or have to be topped up or replaced. The expected lifespan of desiccant units will be significantly longer than compressor units, because they are far more straightforward in their operation, and have fewer moving parts. Desiccant units do not use a compressor, and they do not hold refrigerant gas under high pressures for potential failure.

Desiccant units can lower humidity levels to forty percent in well sealed environments, whereas compressor units will only lower humidity to about fifty percent. Forty percent humidity is under the rusting point for metal, and this is another explanation (aside from the fact that they work in cool temperatures) as to why desiccants are utilised to protect tools, equipment and vehicles. Other helpful features of desiccant units include:

A recurrent drain off mechanism. This ensures that, rather than simply trapping the extracted moisture inside a storage tank, there is the option to drain the moisture off via a small hose. This can be directed into a drain point, independent holding tank or sink.

An auto restart facility. This ensures that, following a power outage, the unit will automatically commence back-up, and carry on operating at the same settings it was operating at before the outage in power. If required, it is possible to leave the unit to run on a plug timer. This could be useful, because it offers increased flexibility compared to simply using the built-in timer and variable humidity level, which can be altered using the built-in humidistat.

Thus, if you need a dehumidifier for your boat, caravan or motor-home, or for mould or damp prevention at home, drying your clothes, drying your cellar, storing or archiving documents, or storing your car, then a desiccant dehumidifier is highly recommended.